Register Today!
- Student Registration Link
- Student Excursion Permission Form to be completed by students 18+ or a parent/guardian
Symposium Schedule
9:00 am – 9:30 am
9:30 am – 10:00 am
10:00 am – 11:00 am
11:00 am – 11:15 am
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Registration
Welcome from WCDSB Innovation
Keynote by Nancy Nelson
Transition
Session 1 Workshops
Lunch
Panel
Transition
Session 2
Wrap-up
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Nancy Nelson is an award-winning educator with over 30 years in the Canadian post-secondary system. An engineer by profession, she has most recently been Director of Teaching Innovation at Conestoga and an Engineering Education Developer at U Waterloo. Nancy is nationally recognized for her educational leadership both in and beyond the classroom. She’s been awarded Engineers Canada’s Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education, Colleges and Institutes Canada’s Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty, and most recently a 3M National Teaching Fellowship by the Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE).
Panel
Panel Moderator
Annalisa Varano
WCDSB Director of Education
Annalisa Varano is the Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, bringing over 27 years of distinguished experience in Catholic education to the role. Her extensive career includes 23 years with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and global teaching experience in Australia and South Korea. A former President of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, she has led at the provincial level and overseen diverse portfolios including K–12 student success, virtual learning, and experiential programming. Annalisa is a practicing Catholic and strategic leader dedicated to navigating the future of education through a lens of discernment, equity, and innovation.
Panel Guests
Through a hands-on ecosystem of micro:bit-based coding and AI tools, Jeremy and his team work with educators across the globe to build computer science capacity and support its meaningful integration into the classroom. Their approach bridges the gap between curriculum and real-world application, helping students build confidence and see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers.
Session Options and Descriptions
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Session 1
Session Description
Using Co-pilot to generate effective prompts and understanding it is a tool not an answer. Looking at both the front end and back end of the tool to understand the how and why of it.
Facilitator
Leigh Willis- Conestoga College
Session Description
Heading to college or university? AI is already changing what academic work looks like — and knowing how to use it the right way could make or break your first year. In this session, the Writing Services team from Wilfrid Laurier University will give you an honest, practical look at how post-secondary institutions are responding to generative AI. You’ll explore when and how you’re allowed to use AI tools in your assignments, how to use them effectively when it is permitted, and how to properly cite them so your academic integrity stays intact. This session is built around the real questions students are asking right now — and the answers your future professors will expect you to already know.
Facilitators
Christin Wright-Taylor
PhD, MFA, Manager, Writing Services Wilfrid Laurier University
Christin provides strategic leadership, program direction and operational oversight of the multi-campus Writing Support unit, as well as the Laurier Scholars Award Program, Academic Integrity initiatives and English Language Learners Writing and Communication Support. Her academic research focuses on rhetoric and composition, specifically how to leverage both translingual and second language writing theory to provide effective writing support for translingual students.
Session Description
This workshop explores the future of work in an AI-driven world. We’ll present strategies to navigate the modern job market, from custom applications to interview prep, and how to use AI as a versatile everyday tool during your first week at work. We’ll use freely available AI tools allowing for personal preferences and promoting inclusivity.
Facilitators
German Arcila, Programs and Training Manager at Digital Moment since 2019, has a background in business administration, computer science, and education. He designs and manages impactful training programs, bridging technology and human understanding to create dynamic learning for diverse audiences.
Grace Mirenzi is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Educational Developer at Digital Moment. Grace’s work combines K-12 student instruction, course design and professional development delivery. She focuses on how to integrate meaningful conversations and learning about AI in the classroom.Session Description
Through a hands-on ecosystem of micro:bit-based coding and AI tools, Jeremy and his team work with educators across the globe to build computer science capacity and support its meaningful integration into the classroom. Their approach bridges the gap between curriculum and real-world application, helping students build confidence and see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers.
Facilitator
Jeremy Hedges is the Founder and CEO of InkSmith and Forward Education, a Kitchener-based educational technology company focused on equipping the next generation with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world.Session Description
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use AI to actually build something. You will learn how AI tools can be used in other ways that just a chat tool. Using tools like Google Gemini AI Studio, you’ll create your own simple app based on your interests, whether that’s art, fitness, school, or something totally different. By the end, you’ll walk away with a working project, practical AI skills, and the confidence to use AI as a tool in your future studies, jobs, or everyday life.
Facilitator
Tamer Shahin is a researcher, and technology entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Hiro, a digital health startup developing game-based experiences that make pediatric rehabilitation more engaging and accessible for children and families. Tamer brings over 17 years of experience in engineering, product development, and startup mentorship, and is currently a Master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, conducting research in Human–Computer Interaction.
Jerry Chen is the co-founder and CTO of Hiro, an accessible exercise game designed to help kids with physical disabilities take part in exercise and home physiotherapy in a more engaging way. He focuses on making games and interactive tools more accessible and easier to bring to life. With 11+ years of experience as a developer and hands-on builder, he has worked across web, game, and AI-powered products, connecting product strategy, technical architecture, and practical implementation. This work includes AI integration, interactive and game development, accessibility-focused platforms, and team leadership using agile methods.
Session Description
Explore Canva’s Magic AI tools to build a polished, professional and personalized portfolio. Use Magic Design to craft your visual identity and design a resume that reflects your strengths. Add in your projects, assignments, and achievements to showcase your best work, and have Canva’s Magic tools support you along the way. You’ll walk away with a digital portfolio ready to impress.
Facilitator
Corissa Tymafichuk is a Canva Learning Consultant who empowers educators and students to unlock creativity and engagement in the classroom through Canva Education. She is a former secondary education teacher with experience in literacy coaching and supporting English language learners. Corissa is excited to inspire educators and students to embrace creativity with Canva Education.
Session Description
AI Feud is an interactive, game-based workshop inspired by Family Feud, where students guess the most common responses generated by AI to fun, open-ended questions. Using tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini, students will explore how AI generates answers based on patterns in human data. The session then transitions into a discussion on bias in AI, including its impact on areas like hiring systems and digital art. Students will leave with a better understanding of how AI works and why it’s important to think critically about its outputs.
Facilitators
Aasees Mann: Hi! My name is Aasees, and I’m a first-year student in Systems Design Engineering. I love learning new things, spending time with friends, and binge-watching New Girl.
Yohann Lepage: Hello! My name is Yohann, and I am a second-year Nanotechnology Engineering student. I enjoy biking and playing strategy games with friends!Session Description
Ever learn something better when it comes from a peer rather than a teacher? That’s exactly what this session is about. Students from St. Benedict’s Innovators Group will take you through how to build your own Gem in Google Gemini — a personalized AI assistant you can customize for almost anything, from studying for exams to prepping for a job interview to organizing a project. This is a hands-on, student-to-student session where you’ll leave with something you actually built yourself and can start using right away. No prior experience needed — just curiosity.
Facilitator
The Bennies Innovators are a group of student leaders from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo who are passionate about technology, creativity, and sharing what they know. These students have taken their curiosity about artificial intelligence and turned it into something real — exploring AI tools hands-on and bringing that knowledge back to their peers. At the symposium, they’re not just attendees. They’re presenters, mentors, and proof that you don’t have to wait until after graduation to start doing meaningful things with emerging technology.
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Session 2
Session Description
Join two Googlers as they discuss their path to Google, how they use AI in their roles, and experiment with vibe coding XR apps using a new library from Google. No prior coding knowledge is required. Bring your ideas and imagination to see what we can create!
Facilitator
Jamie Pepper is a Technical Solutions Developer at Google within the Google Cloud organization. He volunteers as a maintainer for an open-source library used to create VR360 videos. He recently vibe-coded a sample application for the XR Blocks library (Balloon Pop) and plans further contributions in 2026.
Stephen Swartzentruber is a professional software engineer at Google, specializing in the development of augmented reality smart glasses. His current work focuses on calibrating novel display technologies to provide superior visual quality and performance.
Session Description
Heading to college or university? AI is already changing what academic work looks like — and knowing how to use it the right way could make or break your first year. In this session, the Writing Services team from Wilfrid Laurier University will give you an honest, practical look at how post-secondary institutions are responding to generative AI. You’ll explore when and how you’re allowed to use AI tools in your assignments, how to use them effectively when it is permitted, and how to properly cite them so your academic integrity stays intact. This session is built around the real questions students are asking right now — and the answers your future professors will expect you to already know.
Facilitators
Christin Wright-Taylor
PhD, MFA, Manager, Writing Services Wilfrid Laurier University
Christin provides strategic leadership, program direction and operational oversight of the multi-campus Writing Support unit, as well as the Laurier Scholars Award Program, Academic Integrity initiatives and English Language Learners Writing and Communication Support. Her academic research focuses on rhetoric and composition, specifically how to leverage both translingual and second language writing theory to provide effective writing support for translingual students.
Session Description
This workshop explores the future of work in an AI-driven world. We’ll present strategies to navigate the modern job market, from custom applications to interview prep, and how to use AI as a versatile everyday tool during your first week at work. We’ll use freely available AI tools allowing for personal preferences and promoting inclusivity.
Facilitators
German Arcila, Programs and Training Manager at Digital Moment since 2019, has a background in business administration, computer science, and education. He designs and manages impactful training programs, bridging technology and human understanding to create dynamic learning for diverse audiences.Grace Mirenzi is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Educational Developer at Digital Moment. Grace’s work combines K-12 student instruction, course design and professional development delivery. She focuses on how to integrate meaningful conversations and learning about AI in the classroom.Session Description
Through a hands-on ecosystem of micro:bit-based coding and AI tools, Jeremy and his team work with educators across the globe to build computer science capacity and support its meaningful integration into the classroom. Their approach bridges the gap between curriculum and real-world application, helping students build confidence and see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers.
Facilitator
Jeremy Hedges is the Founder and CEO of InkSmith and Forward Education, a Kitchener-based educational technology company focused on equipping the next generation with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world.Session Description
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use AI to actually build something. You will learn how AI tools can be used in other ways that just a chat tool. Using tools like Google Gemini AI Studio, you’ll create your own simple app based on your interests, whether that’s art, fitness, school, or something totally different. By the end, you’ll walk away with a working project, practical AI skills, and the confidence to use AI as a tool in your future studies, jobs, or everyday life.
Facilitator
Tamer Shahin is a researcher, and technology entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Hiro, a digital health startup developing game-based experiences that make pediatric rehabilitation more engaging and accessible for children and families. Tamer brings over 17 years of experience in engineering, product development, and startup mentorship, and is currently a Master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, conducting research in Human–Computer Interaction.
Jerry Chen is the co-founder and CTO of Hiro, an accessible exercise game designed to help kids with physical disabilities take part in exercise and home physiotherapy in a more engaging way. He focuses on making games and interactive tools more accessible and easier to bring to life. With 11+ years of experience as a developer and hands-on builder, he has worked across web, game, and AI-powered products, connecting product strategy, technical architecture, and practical implementation. This work includes AI integration, interactive and game development, accessibility-focused platforms, and team leadership using agile methods.
Session Description
Ignite your creativity with Canva Code and design any digital tool you can dream of! Create one and two-player educational games, interactive study guides, personal research assistants and more! Don’t let the word “code” intimidate you; come see just how creative coding can be, and discover how easy it is to bring your ideas to life.
Facilitator
Corissa Tymafichuk is a Canva Learning Consultant who empowers educators and students to unlock creativity and engagement in the classroom through Canva Education. She is a former secondary education teacher with experience in literacy coaching and supporting English language learners. Corissa is excited to inspire educators and students to embrace creativity with Canva Education.
Session Description
Facilitator
Damian Pope is an Outreach Scientist at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada. He inspires students and teachers with the wonders of science. He holds a PhD in quantum computing from the University of Queensland in Australia, along with a qualification in science communication. He is passionate about making physics accessible and is dedicated to sharing the joy and beauty of physics with audiences of all backgrounds.
Session Description
Ever learn something better when it comes from a peer rather than a teacher? That’s exactly what this session is about. Students from St. Benedict’s Innovators Group will take you through how to build your own Gem in Google Gemini — a personalized AI assistant you can customize for almost anything, from studying for exams to prepping for a job interview to organizing a project. This is a hands-on, student-to-student session where you’ll leave with something you actually built yourself and can start using right away. No prior experience needed — just curiosity.
Facilitator
The Bennies Innovators are a group of student leaders from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo who are passionate about technology, creativity, and sharing what they know. These students have taken their curiosity about artificial intelligence and turned it into something real — exploring AI tools hands-on and bringing that knowledge back to their peers. At the symposium, they’re not just attendees. They’re presenters, mentors, and proof that you don’t have to wait until after graduation to start doing meaningful things with emerging technology.